Background: Healthy development of children is under pressure. While governments, schools and organizations are trying to stimulate physical activity in children, reduce overweight and improve motor skills, they are facing challenges in finding effective strategies. The model proposed by Stodden et al. (2008) is an interesting framework for studying healthy development of children, as it encompasses the physical aspect (motor skill competence, physical fitness, weight status), the mental aspect (perceived competence) and a behavioral component (physical activity). Importantly, it acknowledges the developmental stages of children by including age. Therefore, this model serves as the basis for this study in which we are looking for insights to effectively influence healthy development of children. Methods and Results: We measured these five variables in a large sample (N > 1000) of children in the Netherlands (age: 4-12, 50% girls). Through structural equation modeling we searched for cross-sectional as well as 1-year longitudinal relationships. Our results showed concurrent relationships between all variables and a tipping point at which relationships emerged or strengthened. The results indicated that targeting motor competence at a young age might be a feasible way to ensure continued participation in physical activities. However, longitudinal analyses revealed no effect of motor skill competence (T1) on physical activity (T2). Physical fitness appeared to be more important as a potential mediator than perceived motor competence. As a follow-up study, the five variables will be analyzed via a person-centered approach (latent profile analyses). This will guide us towards tailoring future interventions to the specific needs of subgroups of children. Analyses of this study are ongoing and will be presented at the conference. Conclusions: Our multiple analyses have shed additional light on the complexity of healthy development of children. In the upcoming presentation we will unite our study findings and delineate implications for developing effective strategies.
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Constante vernieuwingen op het gebied van digitale technologie in zowel prive- als publieke omgevingen kenmerken de huidige samenlevingen en benadrukken de alsmaar belangrijker wordende rol daarin voor socio-technische systemen. De uitdaging is om voorafgaand, tijdens en na de ontwikkeling van deze systemen de mens en zijn digitale, sociale en fysieke omgeving centraal te blijven stellen. Dit vraagt om een duidelijk inzicht in de behoeften, wensen en eisen van mensen, zodat deze vertaald kunnen worden naar digitale technologie die een positieve bijdrage levert aan gezondheid, welzijn en participatie. Toegepast onderzoek naar het ontwerp- en appropriatieproces van digitale technologie voor maatschappelijk welbevinden is nodig om succesvol gebruik, implementatie, evaluatie en opschaling te bevorderen. Een goede samenwerking en beter begrip van elkaars doelen, motieven en werkwijzen, tussen zowel ontwerpers en gebruikers als tussen onderzoek, onderwijs en het werkveld, zijn hiervoor absolute vereisten. Lector Digital Life dr. Somaya Ben Allouch pleit in haar rede voor meer aandacht voor een mensgerichte ontwerpaanpak van digitale technologie. Het onderzoek van het lectoraat richt zich op innovatieve, digitale technologie op het gebied van mens-systeem interactie, sensoren en hun data en creatieve methodes voor gezondheid, welzijn en participatie. In de rede zal nader worden ingegaan op hoe het onderzoek van het lectoraat Digital Life bijdraagt aan het (inter)nationale netwerk van onderzoek, onderwijs en praktijk op het snijvlak van technologie, gezondheid en welzijn.
The Confederation of European Probation detects a clear need for a central record of training and qualification requirements, standards or curricula for probation and community supervision practitioners in EU Member States. Hogeschool Utrecht (UAS) has been commissioned to conduct a survey to collect an overview of qualification requirements and training of probation workers in order to set up a network to share knowledge, competencies and expertise among members’ states. The research question is: What kind of formation precedes the start of a career of a probation worker in the various EU Member states and how does it develop throughout his or her career? In order to answer this question, an online survey with closed and open questions has been send out among CEP members that provide or are responsible for probation services. Twenty of them filled out the questionnaire covering 18 different countries.
